Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, has urged members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the general public to temper expectations regarding ministerial appointments as the party commits to its promise of a lean government.
Speaking on GHOne TV’s Hard Talk, Adams emphasized that the party’s manifesto pledge to govern with just 60 ministers must be upheld, even if it results in disappointment for some party members.
“One of the issues we campaigned on was that we’re going to have a lean government and that we’re going to work with 60 ministers. All of us went out with it,” Adams stated. He explained that the party’s goal is to operate efficiently within the constitutional framework while ensuring broad-based representation in governance.
Adams acknowledged that the NDC, with 183 parliamentary seats secured so far and legal battles ongoing for additional seats, cannot appoint all MPs to ministerial roles. “Even if they decided to take all the 60 [ministers] from parliament, not all of us will get. So you must understand that having campaigned on a certain promise, that promise must be kept. Surely, some would be disappointed, and some would be appointed.”
The MP called for understanding and unity within the party, particularly from those who may feel sidelined in the ministerial selection process. “If you have been disappointed today, know that it is because the car can only be driven by one person at a time. If you behave yourself well, I am sure when that driver’s time comes to take a rest, you may be called upon to also take up the bus,” he remarked.
Adams also highlighted the importance of appointees recognizing the weight of their responsibility. “Those appointed must know that there are many qualified persons for the position you have been appointed into. You are working for the state, implementing policies and values that the NDC believes in for the betterment of Ghana.”
The MP expressed particular pride in the contributions of his home region, the Oti Region, which delivered 100% victory for the NDC in both the 2020 and 2024 elections. However, he maintained that ministerial appointments should reflect national balance and strategic considerations, not merely regional or individual expectations.
Adams concluded with a plea for party cohesion: “We campaigned on lean government, and that must be respected. Let’s keep our focus on delivering for the people of Ghana, as that is what matters most.”
